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Science News for June 29, 2011


Scientists identify order of mutations that lead to cancer

Researchers have discovered that complex changes in TP53 occur earlier than previously thought, setting the stage for additional abnormalities. This finding could help scientists determine which mutations lead to precancerous lesions and invasive carcinomas.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJun 29, 2011

Research finding suggests way to make bladder cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy

A recent study published in International Journal of Cancer found that boosting the production of a specific microRNA, miR-34a, increases sensitivity of bladder cancer cells to chemotherapy. The study suggests that miR-34a may be used as a predictor of response to chemotherapy and a target for new drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJun 29, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

'Odd couple' binary makes dual gamma-ray flares

A team of astronomers using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope observed a unique binary system that produced dual gamma-ray flares during its closest approach. The flares were many times stronger than expected and occurred despite the star following an eccentric orbit, making them only visible every 3.4 years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2011

A role for glia in the progression of Rett syndrome

Researchers found that glia support neurons and provide energy substrates necessary for function. Re-expression of MeCP2 solely in astrocytes rescues lifespan, breathing, anxiety, and locomotor activities associated with Rett Syndrome in mouse models.

SourceRett Syndrome Research Trust·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2011

Growing plants on oil-contaminated land

A Lithuanian company, Biocentras, has developed a three-stage process that transforms contaminated soil into usable land for growing plants. The process uses biosurfactant and micro-organisms to break down oil pollutants, making it an efficient and natural solution.

SourceEUREKA·DateJun 29, 2011

IASLC welcomes publication of CT screening results from National Lung Screening Trial

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) welcomed the publication of positive results from the National Lung Screening Trial, which showed a 20% reduction in lung cancer deaths and a 7% decrease in all-cause mortality among heavy smokers screened with low-dose spiral computed tomography. The trial followed ove...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Moving microscopic vision into another new dimension

Scientists have developed a new 4-D scanning ultrafast electron microscopy technique that allows researchers to visualize atomic-scale dynamics on metal surfaces. This breakthrough promises wide-ranging applications in materials science and single-particle biological imaging.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 29, 2011

Genetic 'conductor' involved with new brain cell production in adults

A team of researchers has discovered a gene connected to the production of new brain cells in adults, which acts as an 'off switch' before neurons are formed. However, further experiments revealed that Foxj1-expressing cells functioned as stem cells until adulthood, producing fewer neurons than expected.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 29, 2011

Scientists develop method to determine order of mutations that lead to cancer

Researchers mapped out the order of DNA changes in advanced skin and ovarian tumors using a statistical approach, finding that key gene TP53 mutations occurred earlier than previously believed. This discovery could help identify personalized therapies for cancer patients by targeting early mutations.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJun 29, 2011
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New salmonella-based 'clean vaccines' aid the fight against infectious disease

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a technique to make salmonella-based vaccines safer and more effective, with potential applications in fighting diseases like hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. The new approach retains strong immunogenic properties while reducing unwanted side effects.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 29, 2011

Public prefers limited informed consent process for biobanks

Most study participants preferred an opt-in consent process, while 41% supported a broad description of how samples and health information might be used. The study suggests that public support and trust for biobanks can be built by implementing an informed consent process that meets formal requirements and standards.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

A war inside: Saving veterans from suicide

A study found that veterans who have attempted suicide not only face an elevated risk of further attempts but also experience higher mortality rates from all causes. The research highlights the need for more intensive support and prevention efforts among at-risk veterans.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 29, 2011

Workplace mental health disability leave recurs sooner than physical health leave, CAMH study shows

A CAMH study reveals that mental health disability leaves cost approximately $51 billion a year in Canada and recur sooner than physical health leaves. Workers who have had a previous mental health episode are at higher risk of having another one, highlighting the need for effective prevention programs to help people stay at work.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

ESC calls for greater awareness of potential for adverse events from bleeding as a result of PCI

Emerging evidence suggests a strong association between bleeding and adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Strategies to minimize bleeding include radial access and adjusting anticoagulant doses based on body weight, age, and renal function.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 29, 2011
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Junior doctors clueless about what to do during major incidents

A survey of 89 junior doctors in three NHS hospital trusts in Wales found that nearly all were unaware of their roles and responsibilities during a major incident. The knowledge gap has sparked concerns about the preparedness of healthcare professionals to respond effectively in emergency situations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 29, 2011

Western researchers can predict future actions from human brain activity

Researchers at The University of Western Ontario used fMRI to decode action intentions from brain activity, predicting which action a person was planning seconds before execution. This breakthrough understanding of brain planning could lead to controlling prosthetic limbs for movement-impaired patients.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·DateJun 29, 2011

Men play post-op catch-up

Women show greater improvements in function and reduced pain than men at three and six months post-surgery. After a year, men recover as well as women, indicating that gender-specific knee implants may not be necessary.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJun 29, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Study on football: Women get up faster

A study by sports scientists at TUM found that women's football is marked by more frequent interruptions, but the game generally resumes faster than men's. Longer interruptions were recorded in men's football, particularly for goal celebrations and injuries.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJun 29, 2011

Case Western Reserve researchers identify HIV-inhibiting mechanism

Researchers have discovered a cellular factor called SAMHD1 that inhibits HIV infection in myeloid cells, part of the body's immune system. This discovery may help explain why some individuals can control HIV better than others and could provide a basis for new therapies to block HIV replication.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2011

Scientists use 'optogenetics' to control reward-seeking behavior

Scientists have manipulated brain wiring responsible for reward-seeking behaviors using optogenetics, a technique that can tweak microcircuitry with millisecond precision. The study found that targeting the connection between the amygdala and nucleus accumbens may represent potential treatments for addiction and other neuropsychiatric ...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2011

Studying solar wind

The study found that rocky planets, including Earth, are enriched in 17O and 18O by about 6% relative to 16O. This supports the 'isotopic self-shielding' mechanism, where photolysis of carbon monoxide liberates oxygen atoms that are sequestered into water molecules.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateJun 29, 2011
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Natural gases a therapy for heart disease?

Researchers from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry discovered a potential therapeutic strategy for managing heart failure by modulating the interaction between hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and nitric oxide. The study found that this 'cross talk' can have positive effects on heart health and may lead to new drug therapies.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalAntioxidants and Redox Signaling·DateJun 29, 2011

New home for world-leading Scottish institute

The Roslin Institute has relocated to a new, purpose-built centre with partners from the SAC, focusing on improving livestock health and productivity. The institute aims to tackle complex problems such as diseases, animal welfare, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJun 29, 2011
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Astronomers discover universe's most distant quasar

Scientists have discovered the most distant quasar to date, ULAS J1120+0641, with a redshift of 7.1, providing a unique opportunity to study the early universe. The object's massive black hole is estimated to be two billion times that of our Sun, challenging current theories on its growth.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2011

At small scales, tug-of-war between electrons can lead to magnetism

Researchers propose that quantum dots with opposing spin electrons can create a peculiar form of magnetism. This phenomenon occurs due to the 'tug-of-war' between the mobile electrons and the manganese atoms in the quantum dot. The resulting magnetic message can align spins, causing the quantum dot to be magnetic.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 29, 2011

The promise of stem cell-based gene therapy

Gene therapy using stem cells holds great potential for treating a range of diseases, thanks to advances in gene marking techniques, PCR sequencing, and chromatin insulators. The success of these methods could lead to improved patient survival rates.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJun 29, 2011

New smartphone app automatically tags photos

A new cell phone application called TagSense can accurately tag photographs with information about people, locations and activities. The system uses the multiple sensors on a mobile phone and those of other phones in the vicinity to provide more detailed tagging, making it easier to search and retrieve desired pictures.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 29, 2011
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New therapy for childhood neuroblastoma proves feasible and safe

Researchers have found a new treatment option for children with relapsed or primary refractory high-risk neuroblastoma, using combined positron emission tomography and X-ray computed tomography to select patients for molecular radiotherapy. The therapy was well-tolerated and showed promise in improving symptoms and quality of life.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011

Study confirms CT lung cancer screens save lives; other analyses underway

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that helical low-dose CT scans for lung cancer reduce deaths in heavy smokers by 20 percent. The research also highlights the need for further analysis on cost-effectiveness, downstream consequences, and screening strategies.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Tripping the fluid dynamic: The physics of Jackson Pollock

Researchers from Boston College and Harvard analyzed Pollock's techniques, revealing his use of jets, drops, and sheets governed by fluid dynamics. The team described Pollock's physical technique in terms of paint load volume, viscosity, flow rates, and gravity.

SourceBoston College·JournalPhysics Today·DateJun 29, 2011

Culture influences people's response to climate change

Research reveals that an individual's consumption habits and contraceptive choices are influenced by their cultural background, which in turn affects their responses to climate change. People's perceptions of environmental impact influence their behavior, with some behaviors offsetting environmental gains.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJun 29, 2011

Money and mimicry

Researchers found that when people are reminded of money, they perceive mimicry as a threat to their personal freedom, leading them to respond antagonistically. This could have important implications for social bonding and forming interpersonal relationships.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 29, 2011
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Diabetes drug may prevent or delay development of polycystic ovary syndrome

A recent study found that early treatment with the diabetes drug metformin may prevent or delay the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents. The study, which compared early versus late metformin treatment, showed that early therapy prevented PCOS symptoms more effectively than late treatment.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 29, 2011

Outpatient electronic prescribing systems don't cut out common mistakes

Research found that outpatient electronic prescribing systems do not significantly reduce medication errors, with over 12% of prescriptions containing mistakes. The most common errors were related to missing information and involved anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, nervous system drugs, and cardiovascular drugs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJun 29, 2011

CT scans unleash a breakthrough in catching early stage lung cancer

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that CT scans can detect lung cancer at an early stage, reducing death rates by 20%. The trial involved over 53,000 current or former heavy smokers and showed improved survival rates for those who received the CT scan.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New fossils demonstrate that powerful eyes evolved in a twinkling

Fossils discovered on Kangaroo Island, Australia, reveal that early animals had excellent vision, with compound eyes containing over 3000 lenses. This suggests a rapid evolution of visual organs due to the adaptive advantage of sharp vision for hunting and finding food.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2011

Betting on good luck and 4-leaf clovers

Research at the University of Cambridge found a connection between impulsivity and superstitious rituals in problem gamblers. The study suggests that high impulsivity can predispose individuals to complex distortions, including superstitions, that contribute to problem gambling.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Text message support for smokers doubles quit rates

A trial found that sending motivational and supportive text messages to smokers doubled their chances of quitting at six months. The study, led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, showed that continuous abstinence rates were significantly increased in participants who received personalized text messages.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 29, 2011

Osteoarthritis incidence significantly higher among US military personnel

Research shows significantly higher osteoarthritis (OA) incidence rates among US military personnel compared to the general population, with differences increasing with advancing age category. Black service members have higher OA rates than white military personnel or those in other racial categories.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 29, 2011

Scientists shed light on the private lives of electrons

Researchers at Princeton University developed a laser technique to observe how electrons become entangled, shedding new light on the Kondo state and its potential applications in quantum computing. The study reveals fresh insights into the complex relationship between an isolated electron and its surroundings.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Scientists develop sensitive skin for robots

Researchers at TUM create an artificial skin for robots that simulates human-like touch and temperature detection, allowing machines to interact with their environment in a more human-like way. The system uses sensors to register movement and detect changes in the robot's surroundings, enabling it to develop self-awareness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateJun 29, 2011

Clocking Neptune's spin

A University of Arizona planetary scientist has determined Neptune's rotation with high accuracy by tracking atmospheric features in its atmosphere. The discovery improves upon previous measurements and provides a better understanding of the planet's fundamental properties.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalIcarus·DateJun 29, 2011

Drink-fueled memory blackouts among students predict future injury risk

Research suggests that students who experience frequent drink-fueled memory blackouts are at a higher risk of sustaining an injury while under the influence. The study analyzed data from over 800 undergraduates and found that those with six or more memory blackouts were almost three times as likely to sustain an injury.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateJun 29, 2011

NASA/NOAA GOES-13 satellite movie shows how Tropical Storm Arlene formed

Tropical Storm Arlene formed over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, strengthening into a full-fledged hurricane with sustained winds near 40 mph. The GOES-13 satellite captured the storm's development from June 27 to June 28, revealing its transformation from a low-pressure area to a tropical storm.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 29, 2011
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Researchers look for ingredients of happiness around the world

A new study confirms that fulfilling a diversity of needs is essential to individual happiness. Higher-order needs like social support and self-actualization contribute more strongly to life satisfaction than lower-order needs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 29, 2011

The Cancer Genome Atlas completes detailed ovarian cancer analysis

The study provides a comprehensive view of cancer genes for any cancer type to date, identifying patterns in gene expression that predict patient survival. The results support four distinct subtypes of the disease based on genomic changes and highlight potential therapeutic targets using existing drugs.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 2011

UT MD Anderson debuts lung cancer screening program

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has introduced a comprehensive lung cancer screening program to detect the disease early. With computed tomography (CT) scans, the program reduces lung cancer-specific mortality by 20%, improving health outcomes for high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Ecological Society of America announces 2011 award recipients

The Ecological Society of America honored seven distinguished ecologists with awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to research, education, and public service. Thomas G. Whitham received the Eminent Ecologist Award for his work on individual variation in ecology, while Donald Strong was recognized for his editorial leadership a...

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJun 29, 2011

Study shows 20 percent reduction in lung cancer mortality with low-dose CT vs chest X-ray

The study found a significant reduction in lung cancer deaths among heavy smokers screened with low-dose helical CT, with a 20% decrease compared to those screened with chest X-ray. The screening test identified adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas at early stages of disease, providing valuable insights for future patients.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 29, 2011